The invention relates to a training device for use by golfers in developing optimum stance in relation to the golf ball. BACKGROUND ART

The prior art includes several such devices, described for example in GB 1 483 934, GB 1 558 204, GB 2 149 310, GB 2 156 227, WO 87/00762 & EP 0 250 643. The present invention is concerned with the provision of a golf training device which improves on these prior devices, in particular in respect of convenience, versatility, and portability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention accordingly provides a golf training device comprising a base member and a plurality of sets of markers, the markers of each set being attachable to the base member at positions indicating preferred ball and/or foot positions for a respective one of the user's golf clubs. The device is preferably made of flexible strip material such that the device can be rolled or folded so as to be readily portable, as in the user's pocket.

The invention also provides a golf training device comprising a base member arranged to bear a plurality of sets of marks, each set indicating preferred ball and foot positions for a respective one of the user's golf clubs.

The device of the invention can thus be embodied as a generally T-shaped member, with narrow limbs, formed of thin flexible sheet or ribbon-like material. The stem of the T-shaped member is used as a pointer for indicating the position of a golf ball to be struck by a golfer standing with the tips of his shoes up to the side of the box or cross member of the device remote from the stem. The effective length of the stem is selectively extensible and the bar carries marks at selected positions to indicate the positions

of the golfer's feet along it.

The effective length of the stem as it extends from the bar towards the ball position can be adjusted to a selected one of a plurality of positions appropriate to the use of different golf clubs. The stem can thus be constituted by a first portion fixed in relationship to the bar or cross member, and an extension portion which can be secured to the first portion with the free end of the extension portion at a selected spacing from the bar. The plurality of relative positions for the free end can be indicated by marks, conveniently in the form of separate markers, attached to one or other of the fixed and extensive portions.

Alternatively, the stem can be unitary and of substantial length, any unwanted end portion being folded underneath in use to adjust the effective length of the stem. The or each fold position can be indicated by marks, again conveniently in the form of separate markers secured to the stem.

Similarly, the foot positions can be marked along the bar cross member by a plurality of marks for each foot, each associated with a respective golf club. These marks again are preferably constituted by markers releasably secured to the bar.

The effective length of the stem and the feet positions for each golf club need to be worked out by the user and this is facilitated in accordance with the invention by the provision that the stem extension portion, if provided, and the markers can be removably secured to the T-shaped base member. Hook and loop fastener materials sold under the registered trade mark "Velcro" of Selectus Ltd. can suitably be employed.

The device of the invention can be simply placed on the turf but is preferably secured in place by pegs received through suitably positioned holes in the bar and/or stem.

Alternatively or as well, one or both of the limbs of the device can be mechanically reinforced, as by the reception of a golf club handle through pockets, loops or sleeves attached to the undersides of the limbs.

One or both of the limbs of the device can be constituted as a cover for a golf club.

Thus the invention also provides a cover for a golf club comprising a shaft portion shaped and sized to accommodate a golf club shaft, and a head portion for accommodating a golf club head, and a plurality of sets of markers, the marker of each set being attachable to the shaft portion at positions indicating preferred ball and/or foot positions for a respective one of the user's golf clubs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a plan and a front view of a first training device in accordance with the invention in the flat condition of use;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a second training device in accordance with the invention also shown in the condition of use;

Figure 4 illustrates the components of a third training device in accordance with the invention; and

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate a fourth training device in accordance with the invention. Figures 5a and 5b being side views of the device from different viewpoints and 5c being a schematic plan view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The golf training device of. Figures- 1 and 2 comprise a generally T-shaped base member 2 formed of thin flexible material, such that it can be readily rolled or folded so as to be carried in the user's pocket from place to place. The

crosspiece 4 of the T-shaped base member is longer than the stem 5, which is not centred on the crosspiece, but is nearer one of its ends than the other. This nearer end 6 is tapered, so as to constitute a pointer indicating the direction in which the golf ball is to be hit.

The stem 5 and crosspiece 4 are preferably integrally formed, but can be separate members arranged to be connected together in a predetermined relationship, conveniently by placing the crosspiece at a predetermined position permanently marked on the crosspiece. Such an embodiment is shown more clearly in Figure 3 and described later.

The device also includes a strip-like ball-indicator or extension member 7 which can be located on the stem 5 in alignment with it. One end of the extension member 7 can project beyond the free end of the stem 5 and this end is tapered to direct the user's eye towards a ball position to be indicated by the extension member. The free end of the stem 5 can be tapered similarly.

The device also comprises a plurality of sets of markers, each set comprising three markers. One set of such markers 11 only is shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. Each marker 11 of each set carries a letter or the like (not shown) associating the set with a particular golf club. For example, one set of markers may be marked, "D" to indicate a driver, and another set can be marked "5W" to indicate a five wood. The markers 11 can be such that a user can apply his or her own preferred symbol to them.

As shown, two of the markers 11 are placed on the base member crosspiece 4 to indicate preferred positions of the user's feet when using the particular golf club with which these markers are associated.

The third marker 11 is placed at a desired position on the stem to indicate the position along the stem at which the inner end of the extension member 7 has to be placed on the

stem 5 to indicate a preferred ball position.

The base member 2, the extension member 7 and the markers 11 are of any material which permits the extension member and markers to be positioned, preferably releasably, at desired locations on the base member. Conveniently, the device is made from hook and loop fastener materials of the kind marketed by Selectus Limited ^' under the registered trade mark "Velcro". The base member 2 may thus comprise fastener material provided with loop elements, and the extension member 7 and the markers 11 comprise fastener material provided with upstanding hook elements releasably engageable with the loop elements of the base member.

A second training device of the invention illustrated in Figure 3 comprises two strip-like members of thin flexible material, of which one as marked 14 corresponds to the cross piece 4 of the base member 2 of the device of Figures 1 & 2. Instead of an integral stem portion 5, the first strip member of Figure 3 co-operates with a second strip member 15 which can be releasably secured to the first in a cross formation as shown. Both strip members can carry markers, those on the second member 15 being to indicate the position along its length at which the crossing with the first member should occur for a particular one of the user's clubs, the ball position then being indicated by the free end of the second member.

The two strip members 14,15 can be secured in place by pegs received through holes, and need not interconnect. If one strip member is of loop fastener material, hook fastener material can be provided on the underside of the other strip member to effect temporary securement of the members together in use.

The third training device of the invention illustrated in Figure 4 comprises two elongate members 14,15 in the form of tubes or sleeves of soft loop fastener fabric, or of other

flexible material with a strip of loop fastener 16 secured by stitching or adhesive along the length of the sleeve. Stiffening or reinforcing elements can be received within the or each sleeve to obviate the need to peg the members to the turf. As shown at 17, the loop fastener strip is marked to indicate where the other member should extend across it in use. Other convenient forms of marking can of course be employed.

A suitable rigid member for reception within the sleeve of the device of Figure 4 is a golf club shaft. Alternatively sticks of wood, metal, plastic or other rigid material can be used though the sleeves can be used without reinforcement if preferred, in just the same way as the strip members of the device of Figure 3.

The fourth training device of the invention, shown in Figures 5a-5c is similar to that of Figure 4 in comprising two sleeve or tubular members, 14,15 these however having one end closed and the other provided with a bulbous top 18 to accommodate the head of the golf club of which the stem is received within the tubular member 14,15. The use of the training device of Figures 5a-5c is similar to that of Figure 3.

The portion of the training device of Figures 5a-5c which cannot easily be turned inside out is preferably made of a flexible, non-waterproof material to allow golf clubs to be put away wet without adverse consequences. However, advantageously, the one side of the device which is laid on the ground would be made of waterproof fabric, the other side or a portion of the other side being of non-waterproof material. Usefully an identification tag 19 is attached to the bulbous top of each device for easy identification of the golf club contained in the cover. Slots for tee pegs are preferably incorporated into this tag. Strips of loop and hook fastening material may be attached at 20 and 21 in

Figure 5c to the bulbous top 18, to fasten over an inserted golf club to secure it in the cover. Alternatively or as well, elastic may be stitched into channels sewn in the bulbous top.

The third and fourth devices of the invention, as shown in Figures 4 and 5a-5c, are particularly advantageous as they are so easily moved and are thus quick and easy for a golfer to use, and can be used on solid ground such as the bay of a driving range. The devices are nonetheless flexible and can be folded for ease of storage of portability, even fitted into a a golfer's pocket.

The invention can of course be carried into effect in other ways than as specifically described and illustrated.